New Orleans—On Sunday, February 17, guests will witness a rare NOLA reunion as Old Absinthe Bar veterans and performers come together for the Paw Paw Howie’s Transplant Benefit at Rock ‘n Bowl (3016 South Carrollton Avenue) from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. The cause hits close to home: now facing a critical transplant need, Howard “Howie” Couvillon is a former Absinthe Bar doorman and social director.

At age 16, Howie was struck by a pharmacy delivery truck driver under the influence of stolen prescription drugs. After two weeks in a coma, the Old Arabi youngster began to recover. The same blood transfusion that saved his life left him with hepatitis C; Howie received tainted blood long before the disease was discovered, and so it went untreated in his body.

After marrying and having children, Howie finally received a medication, Harvoni, from Ochsner Foundation Hospital to cure the infection in 2015. But in 2018, he learned he was living with liver cancer. Howie will now need a liver transplant to survive. He fundraises with the national nonprofit Help Hope Live at helphopelive.org for a large range of out-of-pocket transplant-related expenses. Proceeds from the Transplant Benefit will be donated to the nonprofit Help Hope Live in honor of Howard Couvillon.

On February 17, you’ll witness legendary performers Billy O’Connor, Luther Kent, Johnny Vidacovitch, Allyn Robinson, Jimmy Singleton, David Torkanowsky, Tim Laughlin, the Dana Abbott Band, and many others. The afternoon will include FREE bowling, live portraits, a 50/50 raffle, and plenty of special guests. Register now for just $20 at helphopelive.org. Can’t make it? Make a donation at any time in honor of Howie at helphopelive.org or by calling 800.642.8399. Donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law, and all funds raised will be used to offset medical expenses via Help Hope Live’s Southeast Transplant Fund.

Help Hope Live is a national nonprofit that specializes in engaging communities in fundraising campaigns for people who need a transplant or are affected by a catastrophic injury or illness. Since 1983, campaigns organized by Help Hope Live have raised over $135 million to pay patient expenses.